Apparatus for demonstrating figure-molding garments



Aug. 28, 1934. F w MOORE 1,971,826

APPARATUS FOR DEMONSTRATING FIGURE MOLDING GARMENTS Filed Aug. 31, 19324 Sheets-Sheet l WITNESSES INVENTOR MW. am AZ. 2: am aka/ M 4% @im Mzqin; MM.

F. W. MOORE Aug. 28, 1934.

APPARATUS FOR DEMONSTRATING FIGURE MOLDING GARMENTS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2Filed Aug. 31, 1952 INVENTOR' 6214x 341 2 4.; MW-

WITNESSES w w- 61 6.94%

F. w. MOORE 1,971,825

APPARATU S FOR DEMONSTRATING FIGURE MOLDING GARMENTS Aug. 28, 1934.

Filed Aug. 31, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 F. W. MOORE Aug. 28, 1934.

APPARATUS FOR DEMONSTRATING FIGURE MOLDING GARMENTS Filed Aug. 31, 19324 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR 1.3mm

L; aid k04 i WITNESSES Patented Aug. 28, 1934 TENT @FFECE APPARATUS FORD EMON S TRATENG FIGURE-MOLDING GARMENTS Frank Willis Moore,lietchworth, England, as-

signor to The Spirella Company inc,

Niagara Falls, N. 1 a corporation of New York '7 Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for demonstrating the lit and effecton the figure of figure-molding garments.

In demonstrating corsets and other figure- I molding garments thepractice heretofore has ments. The same situation has been present indemonstration by models, where only the result obtained by the corsetworn at the moment can be observed. In the demonstration of certai typesof garment, such as the socalled figure- ;gy training garments, it wouldbe particularly helpful if accurate and detailed comparison of thefigure in various corseted conditions and garments could be made, but nosatisfactory means to that end has been available.

It is among the objects of this invention to provide apparatus foreffectively demonstrating and permitting detailed visual comparison ofthe results upon individual figures of different figure-molding wherebyan individual so may be fitted with one or more such garments and theresults obtained examined and compared at leisure, both with respect toone another and the uncorseted condition, which is easily used,

of simple and relatively inexpensive construction, 3;, and is adaptedfor both individual and group demonstrations. Other objects will appearto those skilled in the art from the following description of theinvention.

In accordance with the invention there is projected upon a translucentscreen a silhouette of the figure of an individual in one condition ofcorseting, the outline of the silhouette thus pro duced is traced uponthe screen, and the silhouette of the figure in another condition ofcorseting is then projected upon the screen in superimposed positionrelative to the first tracing, and its outline is then, preferably, alsotraced upon the screen. The superimposed silhouettes thus obtainedpermit satisfactory minute and accurate comparison of the figure invarious conditions of corseting, for example comparison between theuncorseted and corseted conditions, or between the results obtained withdifferent figure-molding garments.

As used herein, the term figure-molding gar-- ments is appliedgenerically to designate garments used to modify and control the humanfigure, for example, corsets, corselettes, brassieres, and the like, andfor brevity of reference the terms corset, corseted condition, and thelike will be used to designate all such garments and the resultproduced. thereby.

The apparatus provided by the invention comprises a translucent screenupon which silhouettes of the human figure may be projected and traced,a source of light adapted for the proiection of the silhouettes, andmeans positioned between the light source and the screen for positioningan individual successively in the same position for production ofcomparatively superimposed silhouettes. Preferably, the apparatuscomprises a framework rovided with means for replaceably holding atranslucent material, such as paper, so that the screen with itssilhouette tracings may be removed, if desired, as for future reference.In this manner new screens may be inserted for each demonstration, andat a very little cost.

Various means may be used for permitting an individual to successivelyresume and retain the ea"- c position in successively different corsetedconditions for production of the desired superimposed silhouettes. Mostsuitably this comprises means for positioning the feet, legs and head,as will be described more fully hereinafter.

The invention may be described further in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front perspective view ofan apparatus embodying the invention, the translucent screens beingremoved for purposes of i1- lustration; Fig. 2 a perspective View fromthe rear of the apparatus, showing the screens in place with varioussilhouettes traced thereon; Fig. 3 a top plan View of the base of theapparatus shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Fi 4 a side elevation of the: base;Fig. 5 a plan View of the base in folded position; Fig. 6 a top planView of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. '7 a fragmentary side viewof the upper portion of the apparatus shown in Figs. 1 and Z on asomewhat larger scale, showing the head-rest; Figs. 8 and 9 viewsshowing one form of screen clamp; Figs. 10 to 13 views, partly insection, showing framework elements; and Fig. 14 an enlarged perspectiveview of the lamp-projection stand shown in Fig. 2.

Having reference now to the drawings, the embodiment shown comprisesabase-board 1 having a flat top 2 connected to spaced battens 3, andpreferably formed of two parts connected along 9 i in construction toposts 6.

a center line 4 by hinges 5 so that the base-board may be folded forpacking or transportation. At each corner and at the center of the frontedge of base-board 1 there are mounted vertical posts 6 supported inapertured lugs 7, Fig. 3, connected to the base-board. For facility inassembling the framework, posts 6 are of detachable construction, thoseshown being formed in three parts.

Each comprises an intermediate length 8, Fig. 10,

and two end members 80,, Fig. 11. The ends of member 8 havescrew-sockets 9 adapted to receive a threaded pin 10 fixedly carried atone end of end members 8a,. The opposite ends of members 851. areprovided with pins 12 which, in the lower member, engage the aperture inlug 7, and in the upper member is adapted to receive a ball 13 forpurposes of ornamental appearance.

Angle irons 14 and 14a of greater length than the front of base 1 areconnected to front posts 6, for example by providing spaced aperturesthrough which pins 12 of members 8a pass prior to receiving balls 13, asshown in Fig. '7. These angle irons contribute to the finishedappearance of the apparatus and brace the posts at the front of theapparatus.

The rear posts are spaced by a tubular brace 15, and the front and rearposts are spaced by tubular braces 16, 1'7, 13 and 19, Fig. 1, allmounted by passing apertures in their extremities over screws 12 at theupper ends of the posts before attaching balls 13. Preferably tubes 15,1'7 and 18 are connected together, as by welding, to form a fixedtriangular bracing member, for additional rigidity and to facilitateassembly and disassembly of the apparatus.

The outer ends of angle irons la and 14a are connected by additionalvertical posts 6a, similar The framework is braced against side-sway bydiagonal bracing rods inserted in the framework. Advantageousiy thesecomprise tubular members 20 and 21, Figs. 12 and 13. One of the rods,for example 21, is provided at one end with a pin 22 having one endfreely movable in the rod, the outer end of the pin being provided withscrew-threads 23 upon which a nut 24 is rotatably mounted to form ashoulder abutting the end of rod 21 to limit inward movement of pin 22therein. The outer end of pin 22 enters one end of rod 20 and seatsagainst a fixed stop 25. The opposite ends of tubes 20 and 21 areprovided with forks 27 which engage posts 6, as shown in Fig. 1. Bymanipulating nut 24, the length of the bracing members can be adjustedfor rigid bracing of the framework.

A screen upon which silhouettes of an individual standing upon the basemay be projected is carried by the framework at the front of base 1.This screen may be formed of any material for projection and tracing ofthe silhouette. Advantageously it is formed from paper removably held inclamps carried by the top and bottom of the framework. Although a singlescreen may be used, it is preferred to use two screens supported inside-by-side relation in the panels formed by front posts 6, forpurposes hereinafter described.

One form of clamp which may be used to re placeably support the screensis shown in Figs. 8 and 9. A backing member 27 and a cover member 28,suitably of wood, are connected along their upper edges by hinges 29.Backing member. 27 is provided with a longitudinal groove 30 adapted toreceive a corresponding fillet formed on cover 28, and the backingmember is also pro- 4 vided with a groove 31 for reception of a bowedleaf spring 32 anchored at one end to the backing member. This springforces cover 28 outwardly when the clamp is opened. Bolts 33 projectforwardly through the backing member and slots'formed in cover member28, and are engaged by wing nuts 34..- One such clamp is suspended ineach of the front panels by means of hooks 35 which engage angle iron14a. Similar clamps are connected to the bottom of the panels, forexample by cords, not shown, connected to the clamps and drawn underangle iron 14 and thence to hooks 40, Fig. 6.

In the use of the clamps just described, a strip of paper, or othersuitable material, of appropriate width and length is inserted in theciamp shown in Figs. 8 and 9 between the front and back members. Wingnuts 34 are then tightened to close the clamp and grip the paper betweengroove 30 and its co-operating fillet. The screens are thus heldsufiiciently tightly and may be replaced quickly and easily by newscreens.

Curtains may be hung in front of the screens from a rod 36 connected toangle iron 14a by brackets 37. Additional end, or wing, curtains may beprovided at the extreme sides of the apparatus, as shown in Figs. 1 and2, by hanging them on rods 38, pivotally carried by side rods 6a.

Mounted rearwardly of the base is a source of light suitable forprojecting upon the screen the silhouette of a person positioned uponthe base-board. Such light source may take any of a variety or" forms,that shown comprising a lamp-stand 41 adapted to receive a projectionlamp as which may be moved from side to side on its support for directlyprojecting silhouettes upon either of the screens. In the practice ofthe invention lamp s2 is moved on the stand so that a shadow of the rearpost 6 behind the screen to be used is cast in the center of thatscreen.

An important feature of the apparatus is the provision of means forpermitting an individual to successively resume the same positionrelative to the screen, and to retain such position, so that successivesilhouettes may be substantially superimposed for minute visualcomparison. The

means shown comprises blocks 43 connected to the base and provided withlaterally projecting foot stops e4. Projecting upwardly from blocks 43are supports l5 which carry at their upper ends laterally projectingcross members 47. The

positions of these members are such that a person may stand on thebase-board with the toes in contact with projections 44 and the legsjust below the knees in contact with the arms of member e7, which latterare preferably padded to avoid discomfort to the individual whileretaining position thereagainst.

It is preferred also to use additional means for obtaining substantiallyidentical superimposition and for ease in retaining the position dur 1ing tracing of the silhouette. To this end the apparatus is providedwith adjustable head rests, the form shown comprising a curved arm 48pivotally connected by a bolt 49 to cross-bar 17,

or 19, as the case may be, and a rod 50 pivotally connected by a bolt 51to cross rail 16, or 18, as the case may be. At its lower end, rod 50passes through an apertured stud 52 carried on the free end of curvedarm 48-, and a clamping screw 53 in stud 52 permits rods 48 and 50 if tobe clamped in desired relative position. At the lower end of rod 50 is acurved padded headrest 54 whose position may be adjusted by means of aset screw 55.

In order further to assist the individual, or

model, to remain stationary rear posts 6 are positioned so that theindividual being silhouetted may extend her arm horizontally and graspthe adjacent rear post by the hand.

In order to facilitate shipment and assembly of the apparatus, crossmembers i? are hingedly connected to uprights 45, which in turn arehinged, as seen in Fig. 1. Thus the entire base may be foldedsubstantially fiat, as shown in Fig. 5.

In the use of the apparatus provided by this invention, an individual ispositioned between the screen and the light with the toes and kneespositioned against foot-stops as and knee braces 47, and with the headsuitably positioned in rest 54.. That is, in the use of the apparatusshown in the drawings the individual stands facing toward the left ofFig. 1 so that her left arm is adjacent the screen and her right arm istoward the rear posts 6 and light source 42. The silhcuette cast uponthe screen is th n traced in outline upon the front of the screen, as bya brush and paint. During this operation the individual extends theright arm strai ht out from the body and grasps the adjacent rear post,for ease in retaining position without undue movement. The left arm,adjacent the screen, is kept close to the side. Assumin that thesilhouette of the individual has been projected and traced upon thescreen with the individual in an uncorseted condition, there is thenapplied a garment whose effect upon the figure is to be demonstrated.The silhouette of the figure as thus ncdified is then projected incomparatively superimposed position, and its outline is traced. Thefoot, knee and head rests, and gripping of the appropriate rear post 5ensure that the previ ous position is resumed with substantialexactitude. This then permits observation of the of the garment upon theuncorseted figure. Th individual referred to may be a prospectivegarmerit purchaser, or a model demonstrating before an audience, as willbe understood in the art.

The invention is particularly useful in demonstrating the so-called fiure-training garments, i.e. garments of the made-to-measure type whichare designed upon anatomical principles and whi h are intended toprovide anatomically correct support. The design of these garments, andth ir effect upon the human figure, are markedly diiferent from those ofthe ordinary ready-made type. For example, in figure-training garments,each garment is made from measurements of the particular individual, andit is designed to pro vide support for the muscles and internal organsin upward and backward direction from the pelvic region as a base, andthus to conform to the natural functioning of normal healthy muscles inco-operation with the bony framework. This action is in direct contrastto ordinary readymade garments, which usually tend to produce a downwardand forward compression, which are designed and cut for average figures,and which seldom fit properly. Figure-training garments are conducive tohealth, maximum comfort, and satisfactory figure-molding. Theirbenefits, as contrasted with ordinary ready-made garments, and thefoundation for outer garments which is thus provided, may be admirablydemonstrated by means of this invention.

To this end, and assuming that a model is demonstrating to an audience,the model wearing an ordinary corset is positioned, for example, infront of screen A, and the silhouette is projected and outlined upon thefront of the screen. The model in an uncorseted condition then takes upa position in front of screen B and the silhouette is projected andtraced thereon. This provides for comparison between the uncorseted andordinarily corseted conditions.

The model is now fitted with a fitting garment adapted for use in takingaccurate measurements from which to make figure-training garments and,as thus corseted, the silhouette is projected comparatively to that ofthe uncorseted position upon screen B. This permits a comparison between the uncorseted condition and the result obtained from correctcorseting, as exemplified by the fitting garment. Finally the modelassumes a garment made from measurements taken with the fitting garment,and the lhouette in this condition is projected comparatively to thatinitially traced upon screen A (in the ordinary corseted condition).parison with the effect of an ordinary corset and one designed andtailored upon figure-training principles.

In this manner, the improvement in figure and other details obtained bythe use of figure-training garments, as well as the efficacy of fittingthrough the medium of the fitting garment may be observed in a mannerwhich has not been possible heretofore. Because the silhouettes aresuperimposed, detailed and accurate observation is possible, and sincethe outlines of the silhouettes are reduced to permanent form, it ispossible to examine them at length. Most suitably, the varioussilhouettes are traced in different colors for ease of comparison. Itwill be understood, of course, that the relative superimposition of thesilhouettes in the various corseted conditions may be varied from theexample just given.

If desired, the side, or wing, curtains held by rods 38 may be replacedby angularly arranged mirrors, to enable observers from the front of theto view the operations taking place behind the screen. Blocks 43 arepreferably positioned close to the screens but at a distance 1'therefrom such that corsets or other garments may be placed upon theindividual and correctly adjusted while the latter remains in position.Likewise, other means than those described may be used for permittingthe individual, or model,

to resume and maintain the necessary positions. If desired, the base andframework may be mounted rotatably, i.e. as a turn-table, so that thoperations of adjusting the garments upon the model can be carried on infull view of an audience instead of behind the screen.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained theprinciple, construction and mode of use of my invention, and havedescribed what I now consider to be its best embodimerit. However, Idesire to have it understood that, within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallyillustrated and described.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for positioning a person before a screen, thecombination of a vertically disposed translucent screen for projectionand tracing thereupon the silhouette of a human figure, a source oflight behind the screen for projecting upon the screen the silhouette ofa person positioned between the light and the screen, and means disposedin fixed position between the light and the screen to compel the personusing said means successively to resume This then permits a com- 1substantially the same positions for production of superimposedsilhouettes for purposes of comparison.

2. In an apparatus for positioning a person before a screen, thecombination of a vertically disposed translucent screen upon whichsilhouettes of a person are projected and traced for detailed visualcomparison, and means including spaced foot-stops disposed in fixedposition before and adjacent said screen to compel a person using saidmeans successively to resume substantially the same position forproduction of comparatively superimposed silhouettes illustrative ofchanges in figure and posture of the person, such as changes produced byfigure-molding garments.

3. In an apparatus for positioning a person before a screen, thecombination of a vertically disposed translucent screen upon whichsilhouettes of a person may be projecting and traced for detailed visualcomparison, spaced footstops and leg braces held in fixed positionadjacent and behind said screen, and an adjustable headrest cooperatingwith said stops and braces to compel a person using said foot-stops, legbraces and headrest successively to resume substantially'the sameposition for production of comparatively superimposed silhouettesillustrative of changes in the figure and posture of the person, such aschanges produced by figuremolding garments.

4. In an apparatus for positioning a person before a screen, thecombination of a framework, a vertically disposed translucent screenconnected to the front of said frame work for projection and tracingthereon of silhouettes of the human figure, an adjustable headrestconnected to said framework behind said screen, and spaced foot-stopsand leg braces disposed in fixed position behind the screen,'saidheadrest, stops and braces cooperating to compel a person using themsuccessively to resume substantially identical positions for productionof comparatively superimposed silhouettes illustrative of changes in thefigure and posture of the person, such as changes produced byfigure-molding garments.

5. In an apparatus for positioning a person before a screen, thecombination of a base, a framework connected to the base, a translucentscreen replaceably connected to the framework at the front of said basefor projection and tracing thereon of silhouettes of the human figure, asource of light positioned rearwardly of said base, foot-stop and legbrace members connected to said base rearwardly of the screen, aheadrest connected to said framework, and a hand-rail connected to saidframework for gripping by a person being silhouetted and positionedbetween,

said stops and light source in the path of the light therefrom, saidheadrest, stops, braces and rail cooperating to compel a person usingthem successively to resume substantially identical positions forproduction of comparatively superimposed silhouettes illustrative ofchanges in the figure and posture of the person, such as changesproduced by figure-molding garments.

' 6. In an apparatus for positioning a person before a screen, thecombination of a framework, a pair of spaced clamps connected to theframework, a sheet of translucent material, such as paper, gripped insaid clamps and forming a screen for receiving a projected shadow of apersons figure and upon which to trace the silhouette thereof, a sourceof light positioned rearwardly of said screen, and means between saidlight source and screen to compel a person using said means successivelyto resume substantially the same position for production ofcomparatively superimposed silhouettes illustrative of changes in thefigure and posture of the person, such as changes produced byfigure-molding garments.

7. In an apparatus for positioning a person before a screen, thecombination of a framework, a plurality of translucent screens carriedby said framework in side-by-side relation for receiving projectedshadows of a persons figure and upon which to trace the silhouette ofsaid shadows, a source of light positioned rearwardly of said screen,and means disposed in fixed position between said light source andscreen and connected to said framework to compel a person using saidmeans successively to resume substantially the same position forproduction of comparatively superimposed silhouettes, said screenscooperating to provide detailed and accurate comparison of changes inthe figure and posture of the person, such as changes produced byfigure-molding garments.

FRANK W. MOORE.

